When I first started building IoT temperature monitoring systems three years ago, I made the classic rookie mistake—I grabbed the cheapest sensor I could find without considering accuracy, power consumption, or my actual project requirements. The result? A greenhouse monitoring system that drifted by 3°C after just two weeks, completely ruining my tomato crop. That expensive lesson taught me something crucial: selecting the right temperature sensor isn’t just about specifications on a datasheet. It’s about matching sensor capabilities to real-world demands.
If you’re standing at that same crossroads today, wondering whether to choose a DS18B20, DHT11, or one of the newer high-precision options, you’re not alone. The temperature sensor market has exploded with options, and more importantly, the differences between them can make or break your IoT project. Let me show you exactly how to make the right choice.
Professional IoT temperature monitoring setup with Arduino and sensors
Understanding Temperature Sensor Types for IoT Applications
Before diving into specific sensors, you need to understand the three fundamental categories that dominate modern IoT projects. Each type serves distinct purposes, and knowing these differences will save you hours of troubleshooting down the line.
Digital vs. Analog Temperature Sensors
Digital temperature sensors like the DS18B20 output temperature data directly in digital format through protocols like I2C or 1-Wire. This means your microcontroller receives clean, processed temperature values without messy analog-to-digital conversion. They’re inherently more noise-resistant and perfect for long cable runs in industrial environments.
Analog sensors, on the other hand, output voltage proportional to temperature. While they require ADC pins on your Arduino or ESP32, they’re often faster and simpler for basic applications.
Contact vs. Non-Contact Measurement
Most IoT projects use contact-based sensors that need physical connection to measure temperature accurately. But what if you’re monitoring furnace temperatures or need to avoid contamination? Non-contact IR sensors solve that problem, though they’re outside our focus today.
Single-Function vs. Multi-Parameter Sensors
Here’s where things get interesting. Modern sensors like the DHT22 and BMP390 don’t just measure temperature—they monitor humidity, barometric pressure, and even calculate approximate altitude. For comprehensive environmental monitoring in smart homes or weather stations, these multi-parameter options eliminate the need for multiple separate sensors.
Watch this comprehensive comparison of temperature sensors for Arduino projects:
Measuring Temperature with Arduino – 5 Sensors – DroneBot Workshop
Key Specifications That Actually Matter
Let me cut through the marketing fluff and tell you what specifications genuinely impact your IoT project success.
Accuracy and Resolution: Why Both Matter
Accuracy tells you how close your reading is to the actual temperature. The HDC1080 High-Precision Digital Humidity Temperature Sensor boasts ±0.2°C accuracy—exceptional for medical equipment or precision manufacturing monitoring.
Resolution, however, defines the smallest temperature change your sensor can detect. The DS18B20 Temperature Sensor offers 0.5°C accuracy with 0.0625°C resolution, meaning it can detect tiny fluctuations even if the absolute value carries some error margin.
For most home automation projects, ±1-2°C accuracy suffices. For industrial process control? You’ll need ±0.5°C or better.
Response Time and Sampling Rate
This spec gets overlooked constantly, yet it’s critical for dynamic environments. If you’re monitoring a rapid heating cycle, a sensor with a 10-second thermal time constant will lag behind actual temperature changes, giving you false readings during critical moments.
The DHT11 Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor samples once every 2 seconds—adequate for ambient monitoring but too slow for fast-changing industrial processes.
Operating Temperature Range
Don’t assume all sensors handle your environment. The DHT11 operates from 0°C to 50°C, making it useless for freezer monitoring or outdoor winter deployments in cold climates. Meanwhile, the DS18B20’s -55°C to +125°C range handles everything from Arctic weather stations to industrial boiler monitoring.
Power Consumption Considerations
Battery-powered IoT devices demand ultra-low power sensors. The AHT10 Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor draws just 1.0µA in sleep mode, extending battery life from weeks to months compared to power-hungry alternatives.
Popular Temperature Sensors Compared: Real-World Performance
Let me walk you through the sensors I actually use in production systems, with honest assessments of where they excel and where they fail.
DS18B20: The Industrial Workhorse
DS18B20 waterproof probe – perfect for immersion applications
The DS18B20 Waterproof Digital Temperature Sensor has earned legendary status in the maker community, and for good reason.
Strengths:
- Waterproof stainless steel probe design survives immersion in liquids
- 1-Wire protocol allows multiple sensors on a single data line—I’ve run 12 sensors on one Arduino pin
- Wide -55°C to +125°C temperature range handles extreme environments
- 0.5°C accuracy across -10°C to +85°C range
Limitations:
- Requires a 4.7K pull-up resistor (often forgotten by beginners)
- Slightly slower response time due to thermal mass of waterproof housing
- No humidity measurement capability
Best for: Outdoor weather stations, aquarium monitoring, industrial temperature logging, any application requiring waterproofing or multiple measurement points.
Arduino Compatibility: Excellent. Works seamlessly with OneWire and DallasTemperature libraries.
Learn how to use the DS18B20 with Arduino:
Arduino DS18B20 Temperature Sensor Tutorial
DHT11 vs DHT22: The Humidity Combo Sensors
DHT11 and DHT22 side-by-side comparison showing physical differences
These ubiquitous sensors combine temperature and humidity measurement in one compact package, but they’re NOT interchangeable despite similar appearances.
DHT11: The Budget Option
The DHT11 Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor costs under £4 but comes with compromises.
Specifications:
- Temperature range: 0-50°C (±2°C accuracy)
- Humidity range: 20-90% RH (±5% accuracy)
- 2-second sampling interval
- 3.3V to 5.5V operation
Honest assessment: Perfect for basic home automation projects where you need “close enough” readings. I use these in my garage workshop where precise values don’t matter—I just want to know if it’s getting too humid for my tools.
Avoid for: Outdoor deployment (temperature range too narrow), precise environmental control, professional applications.
DHT22: The Goldilocks Choice
The DHT22 (also called AM2302) costs slightly more but delivers significantly better performance that justifies the price difference.
Specifications:
- Temperature range: -40°C to +80°C (±0.5°C accuracy)
- Humidity range: 0-100% RH (±2% accuracy)
- Same 2-second sampling interval
- Lower power consumption than DHT11
Real-world advantage: The extended temperature range makes DHT22 viable for year-round outdoor monitoring in most climates. The improved accuracy matters for applications like greenhouse automation where 2°C swings can stress plants.
Watch this detailed comparison:
Temperature Sensors Comparison – DHT11 VS DHT22 VS DS18B20 VS BMP280
BMP280/BMP390: Precision Barometric Sensors
BMP390 precision barometric pressure and temperature sensor module
These Bosch sensors add atmospheric pressure measurement to temperature monitoring, opening up altitude calculation and weather prediction capabilities.
BMP280: The Value Champion
The BMP280 3.3V Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor delivers impressive specifications at just £1.49.
Key Features:
- ±1 hPa absolute pressure accuracy (equivalent to ±1m altitude resolution)
- 300-1100 hPa measurement range
- Both I2C and SPI interfaces
- Compact 15×11.5mm footprint
Applications: Weather stations, altitude-compensated environmental monitoring, drone flight controllers, portable weather instruments.
BMP390: The Precision Upgrade
The BMP390 Precision Barometric Pressure Temperature Sensor takes measurement quality to another level.
Improvements over BMP280:
- Ultra-low altitude noise: just 0.1m (compared to 1m on BMP280)
- Faster conversion times for real-time applications
- Enhanced stability over temperature range
When the upgrade matters: Professional weather monitoring, precision altitude measurement for robotics, any application where sub-meter altitude resolution impacts functionality.
HDC1080: The Ultra-Low Power Champion
The HDC1080 High-Precision Digital Humidity Temperature Sensor excels where battery life is paramount.
Standout Features:
- 2% RH humidity accuracy, 0.2°C temperature accuracy
- 100nA sleep current (yes, nanoamperes)
- 14-bit resolution for both measurements
- Stable performance even in high humidity environments
Battery life advantage: In my wireless sensor network powered by CR2032 batteries, HDC1080-based nodes run for 18+ months compared to 6 months with DHT22 sensors—three times longer lifespan from the same battery.
Best applications: Battery-powered wireless sensor networks, remote environmental monitoring, solar-powered weather stations, any IoT deployment where replacing batteries is difficult or expensive.
LM75/LM75A: The Simple I2C Solution
The LM75A Temperature Sensor represents the “just works” philosophy—basic but reliable.
Specifications:
- -55°C to +125°C temperature range
- 0.125°C resolution (11-bit ADC)
- ±2°C accuracy
- I2C interface with configurable address
Why it still matters: The LM75A’s addressable I2C capability lets you connect up to 8 sensors on the same bus without conflicts—perfect for multi-zone temperature monitoring in server rooms or HVAC systems.
Trade-off: Temperature-only (no humidity), but the simplicity and reliability make it ideal for industrial control applications where you don’t need bleeding-edge specifications.
SHTC3: The Compact High-Performance Option
The SHTC3 Temperature Humidity Sensor packs impressive performance into a tiny package.
Premium Features:
- 2% RH humidity, 0.2°C temperature accuracy
- -40°C to +125°C operating range
- Ultra-fast measurement cycles
- Compact 4×5mm footprint
When size matters: Wearable IoT devices, compact environmental monitors, space-constrained industrial control panels where PCB real estate is expensive.
Honest note: At £4.45, it costs more than DHT22 but justifies the premium in professional applications requiring both miniaturization and performance.
Choosing Based on Your Specific IoT Project
Theory is useless without application. Let me show you how to match sensors to real project requirements.
Home Automation and Smart Home Systems
Recommended sensor: DHT22 or AHT10
For most room climate monitoring, the DHT22 hits the sweet spot between cost and performance. Its ±0.5°C temperature and ±2% humidity accuracy provide reliable data for HVAC control, while the -40°C to +80°C range handles both indoor and outdoor installations.
Alternative consideration: If you’re building a battery-powered wireless network with ESP8266 or ESP32 boards, switch to the AHT10 for its superior power efficiency. The accuracy is similar, but battery life jumps dramatically.
Avoid: DS18B20 unless you specifically need waterproofing—you’re paying extra for features you won’t use indoors.
ESP32-based wireless temperature monitoring system for IoT projects
Agricultural and Greenhouse Monitoring
Recommended sensor: DHT22 paired with DS18B20
Greenhouses need both air temperature (DHT22) and soil temperature (waterproof DS18B20). This combination gives you complete environmental awareness. Pair them with soil moisture sensors for comprehensive plant health monitoring.
Critical factor: The DHT22’s ±2% humidity accuracy matters here—high humidity breeds fungal problems, and you need reliable warning before conditions become dangerous for plants.
Pro tip: Use multiple DS18B20 sensors on one data line to monitor temperature gradients across the greenhouse—hot spots near vents, cooler zones in corners. This granular data helps optimize fan and heater placement.
Industrial Process Monitoring
Recommended sensor: BMP390 or HDC1080
Industrial environments demand reliability and precision. The BMP390’s exceptional accuracy and fast response time suit automated control systems, while the HDC1080’s high-humidity stability handles challenging conditions in chemical processing or food production.
Consider ambient conditions: If you’re monitoring near ovens or cooling systems with rapid temperature changes, sensor thermal mass and response time become critical—specify sensors with fast thermal time constants.
Don’t cheap out: A £3 price difference between DHT11 and HDC1080 is meaningless when equipment malfunction from inaccurate readings costs thousands in downtime or damaged products.
Weather Stations and Outdoor Monitoring
Recommended sensor: DS18B20 (temperature) + BMP280 (pressure/altitude) + DHT22 (humidity)
Professional weather monitoring needs sensors that survive outdoor conditions year-round. The waterproof DS18B20 handles rain and snow, the DHT22’s extended range covers seasonal temperature swings, and the BMP280 adds barometric pressure for weather prediction algorithms.
Winter deployment warning: If you live in regions with sub-zero winters, the DHT11’s 0°C minimum temperature disqualifies it immediately. The DHT22’s -40°C rating, however, handles even harsh Canadian winters reliably.
Lightning protection: Outdoor sensors need proper grounding and surge protection on data lines—I learned this the hard way when a nearby lightning strike fried three sensors in one storm.
Battery-Powered Remote Sensors
Recommended sensor: HDC1080, AHT10, or SHTC3
Battery life determines project viability for remote deployments. The HDC1080’s 100nA sleep current is unbeatable—I have solar-powered soil moisture monitors running 24/7 that could theoretically operate for months on stored energy even without sunlight.
Power optimization: Pair low-power sensors with deep sleep-capable microcontrollers like ESP8266 or ESP32. Wake every 10 minutes, take measurements, transmit data, and return to sleep. This duty-cycled operation extends battery life from days to months.
Don’t forget: Wireless transmission consumes far more power than sensors. Optimize your communication protocol (MQTT, LoRa, etc.) to minimize transmission time and frequency.
Medical and Laboratory Applications
Recommended sensor: HDC1080 or BMP390
Medical environments and research labs demand precision and stability. The HDC1080’s ±0.2°C accuracy and stable high-humidity performance suit vaccine storage monitoring, while the BMP390’s precision matters for altitude chambers or barometric-compensated experiments.
Calibration requirement: For critical medical applications, budget for periodic calibration against NIST-traceable standards—even the best sensors drift over time, and patient safety isn’t negotiable.
Microcontroller Compatibility and Integration
Sensor selection means nothing if you can’t integrate it effectively with your chosen microcontroller platform.
Arduino Integration
All sensors mentioned work excellently with Arduino boards. The key differences lie in library support and wiring complexity.
Easiest integration: DHT11/DHT22 and DS18B20. Both have mature, well-documented libraries (DHT sensor library and OneWire/DallasTemperature respectively) with abundant example code.
I2C sensors (BMP280, BMP390, HDC1080, LM75A, AHT10, SHTC3): Slightly more complex wiring but much easier when connecting multiple sensors—just share SDA and SCL lines. Perfect for projects where pin count is limited.
Starter kit recommendation: The 37 Sensor Kit for Arduino includes multiple temperature sensors plus supporting components, letting you experiment before committing to production sensor choice. For comprehensive learning, check out the Advanced Arduino R3 Compatible Starter Kit.
ESP32 and ESP8266 Compatibility
IoT projects increasingly use WiFi-enabled ESP32 and ESP8266 boards for wireless connectivity. Good news: all our recommended sensors work perfectly.
Voltage consideration: The ESP8266 operates at 3.3V, so sensors must tolerate this voltage. The DHT22, DS18B20, and all I2C sensors mentioned handle 3.3V operation natively.
Pin limitations: The ESP32 WROOM Development Board offers plenty of GPIO pins, but ESP8266 variants like NodeMCU ESP8266 have fewer available pins—favor I2C sensors when pin count is tight.
Pro tip: For ESP8266 projects, the DHT11 Temperature Sensor Module 8266 with ESP-01S provides pre-wired integration with the compact ESP-01 module, saving development time.
Watch this ESP32 temperature monitoring tutorial:
How to Use DS18B20 Temperature Sensor with Blynk using ESP32
Raspberry Pi and Single-Board Computers
Raspberry Pi’s Linux environment requires different libraries than Arduino but offers powerful data processing capabilities.
I2C advantages: The Raspberry Pi’s hardware I2C interface works brilliantly with BMP280, HDC1080, and other I2C sensors using Python libraries like Adafruit_CircuitPython or smbus2.
1-Wire support: DS18B20 integration requires enabling kernel modules but then provides built-in temperature reading through the filesystem—no libraries needed. Multiple sensors appear as individual files in /sys/bus/w1/devices/.
Practical Wiring and Setup Considerations
Specifications matter, but proper installation determines real-world reliability. Here’s what the datasheets don’t emphasize enough.
Pull-Up Resistors and Proper Wiring
DS18B20 critical detail: The 4.7K pull-up resistor between VCC and DATA line is mandatory, not optional. Without it, communication fails intermittently, especially with longer cable runs or multiple sensors.
I2C sensors: Most breakout boards include pull-up resistors on SCL and SDA lines. If you’re connecting multiple I2C devices, verify total pull-up resistance stays appropriate (typically 2.2K-10K depending on bus capacitance and speed).
Wire gauge matters: For remote sensor deployment with long cable runs, use heavier gauge wire (22AWG or lower) to minimize voltage drop. I’ve diagnosed countless “mysterious” sensor failures that were actually power supply issues due to thin wires over distance.
Breadboarding tip: Use a quality 830 Tie Point Breadboard with jumper wire kits for prototyping before committing to soldered connections.
Cable Length Limitations
1-Wire protocol (DS18B20): Officially rated for 100 meters with proper cabling, but I’ve successfully run 50+ meters with CAT5 ethernet cable. Use twisted pairs, connect ground to multiple conductors for lower resistance, and keep the cable away from AC power lines to minimize interference.
I2C sensors: Officially limited to ~1 meter due to bus capacitance and rise time constraints. For longer runs, use I2C extenders or switch to sensors with SPI interfaces that handle longer distances.
DHT11/DHT22: Keep cable length under 20 meters for reliable communication. Beyond that, you’ll see intermittent checksum failures.
Environmental Protection and Enclosures
Sensors measure environment accurately only when properly exposed to it—but electronics need protection from that same environment. This contradiction requires thoughtful enclosure design.
Ventilation is mandatory: Sealed enclosures trap heat from microcontrollers and voltage regulators, creating false high temperature readings. I use Stevenson screen designs or 3D-printed enclosures with louvered sides that allow airflow while blocking direct sunlight and rain.
Radiation shielding: Direct sunlight hitting sensors adds 5-10°C of error even with ventilation. Paint enclosures white or use reflective foils. For professional installations, consider multi-plate radiation shields.
Condensation prevention: Temperature cycling causes condensation inside enclosures. Add silica gel packets to absorb moisture, or use conformal coating on PCBs to protect electronics from condensation damage.
Advanced Features and Temperature Control Integration
Beyond basic sensing, many IoT projects require automated control based on temperature readings.
Using Temperature Sensors for Automation
The W1209 Digital Temperature Controller provides ready-made thermostat functionality without coding. This 12V module includes:
- -50°C to +110°C control range with 0.1°C precision
- Programmable heating/cooling modes
- Adjustable hysteresis to prevent relay chatter
- Temperature alarm functionality
Real application: I use these in my reptile terrarium to maintain precise 28-30°C temperature by controlling heat mats. The relay handles 20A at 125V AC—sufficient for most heating elements.
Advantage over microcontroller control: Standalone operation means your system keeps working even if the main Arduino/ESP32 crashes or loses power temporarily. The W1209 maintains critical temperature control independently.
For more complex automation projects, consider relay modules that work seamlessly with temperature sensors for comprehensive environmental control.
Multi-Sensor Networks and Data Logging
Professional IoT deployments need multiple sensors with coordinated data collection.
DS18B20 advantage: The 1-Wire protocol’s multi-drop capability shines here. Connect up to 127 sensors on one data bus (practically, 10-20 works reliably) and read them sequentially. Each sensor has a unique 64-bit ROM code for identification.
I2C expansion: Multiple I2C sensors require unique addresses. The HDC1080 and LM75A offer address pins letting you connect 2-8 identical sensors per bus. For larger networks, use I2C multiplexers like TCA9548A.
Time-series data storage: For long-term monitoring, implement local data logging to SD card (using Micro SD Card Module) as backup before cloud transmission. I’ve saved countless hours of data when WiFi outages interrupted cloud logging.
Data visualization: Pair your sensors with LCD and OLED display modules for local real-time monitoring and professional data presentation.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learn from my failures so you don’t repeat them.
Calibration and Accuracy Expectations
Mistake: Assuming factory calibration remains accurate forever.
Reality: Sensor accuracy degrades over time, especially for humidity measurements. The DHT22’s ±2% accuracy specification applies at the factory—after 6-12 months of operation, drift can increase to ±3-4%.
Solution: For critical applications, budget for annual calibration against reference standards. For less critical projects, periodically verify readings against calibrated thermometers.
Power Supply Issues
Mistake: Powering sensors directly from microcontroller GPIO pins.
Reality: GPIO pins typically supply 20-40mA maximum. While many sensors draw less than this at idle, they spike during measurement cycles. The DS18B20 can pull 50+mA during temperature conversion, potentially browning out the microcontroller.
Solution: Power sensors from the 3.3V/5V rail, not GPIO pins. Add bulk capacitors (100µF) near sensors to buffer current spikes. For battery-powered projects, use a dedicated LDO regulator with proper current capacity. Check out quality power supply modules for reliable voltage regulation.
Environmental Exposure Mistakes
Mistake: Placing sensors inside project enclosures near heat-generating components.
Reality: An Arduino Uno dissipates ~200mW as heat. ESP32 modules can dissipate 500mW+ during WiFi transmission. In enclosed spaces, this creates 5-10°C temperature rise above ambient.
Solution: Mount temperature sensors on long cable pigtails extending outside the enclosure, or use remote sensing with separated sensor and controller enclosures.
Cost Analysis and Value Considerations
Budget matters, but so does project success. Let’s break down true costs.
Budget-Friendly Options
Under £5 category:
- DHT11: £3.45 – Basic accuracy, suitable for non-critical home projects
- DS18B20: £2.90-£4.90 – Best value for waterproof temperature sensing
- BMP280: £1.49 – Cheapest pressure + temperature combination
Sweet spot: For most IoT projects, spending £3-5 per sensor provides reliable performance without over-engineering. The DHT22 at £3.45 offers the best price-to-performance ratio for general environmental monitoring.
When Premium Sensors Justify Their Cost
HDC1080 at £3.90: The ultra-low power consumption pays for itself in battery-powered remote sensors. If your project requires battery replacement after 6 months vs. 18 months, the labor cost alone justifies the slightly higher sensor price.
BMP390 at £13.90: The precision matters for altitude-critical applications. If you’re building a weather station, drone altitude controller, or barometric pressure monitoring for scientific purposes, the BMP390’s 0.1m altitude resolution vs. BMP280’s 1m resolution makes it worth the premium.
Calculation example: For a 50-node wireless sensor network, switching from DHT22 (£3.45) to AHT10 (£3.45, similar price but better efficiency) might seem pointless. But the extended battery life means one maintenance visit per year instead of three—saving hundreds in labor costs annually.
Future-Proofing Your IoT Temperature Monitoring
Technology evolves rapidly. Design for longevity.
Emerging Sensor Technologies
MEMS temperature sensors: Newer silicon-based MEMS sensors offer faster response times and better accuracy in smaller packages. The SHTC3 represents this trend—expect more sensors moving this direction.
Wireless sensor integration: Sensors with built-in Bluetooth Low Energy or LoRa radios eliminate wiring entirely. While more expensive initially, they dramatically simplify deployment in retrofit installations.
AI-enhanced calibration: Some newer sensors include machine learning algorithms that automatically compensate for drift and environmental factors, maintaining accuracy over multi-year deployments.
Scalability Considerations
Start with standardized interfaces: I2C and 1-Wire protocols scale from single sensor prototypes to hundred-sensor production networks. Avoid proprietary protocols or analog sensors requiring dedicated ADC pins per sensor—you’ll hit scaling limits quickly.
Data management infrastructure: Temperature data accumulates rapidly. A 10-sensor network reading every minute generates 14,400 data points daily. Plan your database architecture, cloud storage costs, and analysis tools from the beginning, not as an afterthought when storage fills up.
Development boards for scaling: Consider using Arduino Mega 2560 Pro for projects requiring many I/O pins, or ESP32 development boards for wireless scalability.
Conclusion: Making Your Final Sensor Selection
We’ve covered ten temperature sensors ranging from £1.49 to £13.90, each excelling in different scenarios. Let me summarize the decision matrix:
For general home automation: Choose DHT22—it balances accuracy, features (humidity included), and cost.
For waterproof applications: DS18B20 is unbeatable, with the bonus of multi-sensor capability on one wire.
For battery-powered remote sensing: HDC1080 or AHT10 deliver months of operation from coin cells.
For precision industrial monitoring: BMP390 or HDC1080 provide accuracy and stability justifying their premium prices.
For learning and experimentation: Start with the DHT11—it’s cheap enough that mistakes don’t hurt, but capable enough to teach proper IoT development practices. Pair it with a DIY Electronic Starter Kit Compatible with Arduino for a complete learning experience.
Remember, the “best” sensor doesn’t exist—only the most appropriate sensor for your specific application. Match temperature range to your environment, accuracy to your requirements, power consumption to your energy budget, and cost to your overall project economics.
Your tomato plants (or whatever you’re monitoring) deserve better than my early mistakes. Choose wisely, wire carefully, and your IoT temperature monitoring system will serve you reliably for years.
Essential accessories for your temperature sensor projects:
- Breadboards and prototyping supplies
- Power supply modules
- LCD and OLED display modules
- Complete Arduino starter kits
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use multiple different sensor types in one project?
A: Absolutely! Mixing sensor types is common. For example, use DS18B20 for waterproof soil temperature monitoring while DHT22 handles air temperature and humidity in the same greenhouse system. Just manage different libraries and data formats accordingly.
Q: How often should I replace temperature sensors?
A: For non-critical applications, sensors typically remain accurate for 2-5 years. Industrial and medical applications should follow manufacturer calibration schedules (usually annually). Humidity sensors degrade faster than pure temperature sensors.
Q: Do temperature sensors need calibration out of the box?
A: Factory-calibrated sensors like DS18B20 and DHT22 work immediately without user calibration for most projects. High-precision applications should verify against reference standards, especially for humidity measurements which vary more between units.
Q: What causes temperature sensor readings to fluctuate?
A: Common causes include inadequate power supply filtering (add capacitors), electromagnetic interference from nearby AC power or motors (shield cables), poor thermal contact with the measurement environment, or direct airflow from fans creating rapid temperature changes.
Q: Can temperature sensors work outdoors in freezing conditions?
A: Many can, but check specifications carefully. DHT11 fails below 0°C; DHT22 works to -40°C. DS18B20 operates to -55°C. Also consider condensation and ice formation on sensor housings—waterproof sensors like DS18B20 handle this better.
Q: Which sensors work best with Arduino vs ESP32?
A: All sensors in this guide work with both platforms. The key difference is voltage levels—ESP8266/ESP32 run at 3.3V while many Arduinos use 5V. All sensors mentioned tolerate both voltages. For wireless IoT projects, ESP32’s built-in WiFi makes it ideal for remote temperature monitoring applications.
Q: How do I protect outdoor temperature sensors from weather?
A: Use ventilated weatherproof enclosures that shield from direct sun and rain while allowing air circulation. Paint white to minimize solar radiation effects. For long-term deployments, use waterproof sensors like DS18B20 and conformal coating on electronics.
All sensors mentioned are available through Kunkune’s extensive Arduino sensor collection with same-day dispatch and free UK delivery on orders over £25. Browse our complete range of temperature sensors, development boards, and IoT components.